Speculation has intensified around Rowdy Rathore 2, with industry sources indicating that the sequel may move forward without Akshay Kumar in the lead. The makers are reportedly considering replacing him with a younger pan-India star to reposition the franchise for a wider audience appeal, especially across the South Indian market.
The first film, released in 2012, was a massive commercial success, driven by Akshay’s trademark action-comedy style and Prabhu Deva’s direction. The character of Inspector Vikram Rathore became iconic, earning both box office numbers and fan loyalty. However, the sequel has been in discussion for years, with no official confirmation from the production house or Akshay himself.
Why the Makers Are Looking for a New Face
According to people familiar with the development, the sequel is being restructured to align with the market trends shaped by recent pan-India blockbusters. Films such as KGF, Pushpa and Salaar have demonstrated how stars from the South can drive nationwide box office success.
Producers reportedly believe that casting a rising pan-India star could help the film expand its reach, especially in Telugu and Kannada-speaking regions, where action drama franchises have strong traction.
Names being discussed internally are said to include well-established Southern actors who already have a strong action image and fan following across states. But the team has not approached anyone formally yet, as the script is still being fine-tuned.
Akshay Kumar’s Current Line-up Played a Role
Industry observers point out that Akshay has recently shifted his focus to varied projects, including biopics, thrillers and social dramas. His new releases have also adopted a more restrained tone, compared to the high-energy mass action persona he embraced in the early 2010s.
Additionally, his packed schedule reportedly made aligning dates for Rowdy Rathore 2 difficult. This may have influenced the makers’ decision to explore alternate casting routes rather than wait indefinitely.
The Script is Being Reworked
Sources indicate that the sequel’s storyline will not simply pick up from where the first film left off. Instead, the sequel aims to introduce the Rathore legacy in a refreshed format. The lead character may still connect to the original’s universe, but with a different narrative arc — possibly featuring a younger cop with a similar attitude and flair.
If the production proceeds without Akshay, the film might shift towards being a reboot-sequel hybrid, appealing to both fans of the original and new audiences.
Fans React Online
The discussions have created mixed reactions among fans.
While some say the Rathore character belongs to Akshay, others argue the franchise can evolve successfully with a new star — much like Bhool Bhulaiyaa transitioned from Akshay to Kartik Aaryan and still produced blockbuster returns.
Industry analysts say audience acceptance will ultimately depend on the strength of the script, action choreography and the final casting announcement.
Official Confirmation Awaited
As of now, the production team has not released a statement clarifying the casting decisions. Until then, the discussions remain speculative — but highly probable, given current industry trends.